THE RAGMAN’S SERENADE

' The Ragman's Serenade tells the story of four families- one from North Shields and the other three from Wallsend. It is a story of relationships- The Davis family are up to their eyes in debt - The Stewart family have a daughter who has downs syndrome– The hagarths who’s husband owns a bookmakers shop and his wife is a midwife at the RVI- and the Higginbottom's have a father with the on set of Alzheimer's. How do they cope - read this fascinating story i'm sure you will enjoy.

58. 58

“Come on dad give me some credit; he’s practically old enough to be my father.’

“Hey you, he might even be your dad; your mother forgot to pay her fare laughed Matty; who was then promptly dug in the ribs by his wife.’

The bus turned at Chirton then passed the Rex Cinema and bingo hall.’

“I’m going to miss that place said Jenifer.’

When Rose’s meal arrived it was better than the meal she had been given the first time. Denise Gibney refunded her what she had paid and added “Enjoy your meal”

Wayne waddled to the stage and mounted the short fight of steps. He took hold of the mike in his hand then announced the prize money for the next four games.

Rose and could still not make out what he was on about.

“Why can’t he just speak plain English instead of mumbling said Rose?’ Then the game commenced; Wayne was no slower than he had been before the break.’ The Wallsend special ticket was worth £159 pounds and Sheila knew that she couldn’t afford to miss one number in this half because the prize money had gone up considerably. Rose got off to a good start with seven out of the twelve numbers on her two tickets that she had bought. She got the next as well. Elsie had only marked two numbers off on her ticket which didn’t give her much of a chance of winning unless Wayne started calling the numbers that were printed on her tickets.

Even though Elsie was playing four tickets she was making little headway.

By the time Wayne had called thirty seven numbers Rose was down to just three.

This game was a straight full house and was called by colour and corresponding number. Rose was getting herself excited now as Wayne called another of the two numbers she was waiting for which left her with Blue 57 to get.’

“I want one number Elsie;

“Come on then Rose; lets see you win it.

“Yellow two and six, twenty six, red one and seven, seventeen, white seven and two.’

“I’ve had it I think, someone’s got to shout now said Rose.’

“Blue five and four fifty four continued Wayne.’

“Bugger Rose gasped.’

“White six and three, sixty three, Blue five and seven fifty SEVEN.’

Here, here shouted Rose.’

The girl on the floor ran over and read the serial number on the ticket and it was confirmed by Wayne.’

“We have one winner there; taking the full house prize, well done.’

Your next game is on the yellow page, your first number.’

“Eeh I’m still shaking Elsie.’

“Well done; keep focussed Rose you might win again.’

“I doubt it.’

The line was won in only nine numbers; neither of the women had got three numbers on a line and Elsie declared that she had two virgins on two tickets.

“Christ that’s a rarity in Wallsend she laughed.’

Someone shouted for the two lines and there was silence in the hall as the ticket was checked on twenty seven numbers.’

“That is a false call said Wayne we continue for your two lines.’

Both women were still waiting for six numbers when the full house was called.’

The next three games were rattled off at an alarming rate. Each one the games were won quicker than the first half.